Insights Daily Current Events, 18 March 2015

Opposition wants village adoption scheme scrapped

Five months after it was launched, the Prime Minister’s much-touted scheme, the Saansad Gram Adarsh Yojana, under which MPs have to adopt a village for development, is meeting resistance from the Opposition.

Why the opposition want it scrapped?

no clear guidelines on how to develop model villages no clarity on the source of funding.

Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana

village development project under which each Member of Parliament will take the responsibility of developing physical and

institutional infrastructure in three villages by 2019 of which one would be achieved by 2016. The Project was launched on the occasion of birth anniversary of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan.

Areas of development

The Scheme aims to provide rural people with quality access to basic amenities It envisages integrated development of the selected village across multiple areas such as

agriculture, health, education, sanitation, environment, livelihoods etc. SAGY aims at gender equality, dignity of women, social justice, spirit of community service,

cleanliness, eco-friendliness, maintaining ecological balance, peace and harmony, mutual cooperation, self-reliance, local self-government, transparency and accountability in public life, etc., in the villages and their people so that they get transformed into models for others.

Implementation

The scheme will be implemented through a village development plan that would be prepared for every identified gram panchayat

The constituency fund, MPLADS, would be available to fill critical financing gaps. The planning process in each village will be a participatory exercise coordinated by the District

Collector. The MP will play an active facilitating role in this exercise. Adoption and adaptation of technology and introduction of innovations are critical. This will include

use of space application and remote sensing for planning, mobile based technology for monitoring, agriculture technology for increasing productivity etc.

At the national level, a separate, real time web based monitoring system will be put in place At the state level there will be an Empowered Committee headed by the Chief Secretary with at

least two Civil Society representatives.

The district Collector will be the nodal officer for implementing the SAGY. He will conduct a monthly review meeting with representatives of the participating Line Departments. The Members of Parliament concerned will chair the review meetings.

SAGY gives focus to community participation. Social mobilization of village community can trigger a chain of other development activities in the village.

For instance, reducing risk behaviours like alcoholism, smoking, substance abuse (drugs/tobacco/gutkha etc) among all age groups of population. Women participation in the decision-making process will be encouraged.

CIC gives in to parties’ defiance

While accepting that political parties were in violation of its order, the Central Information Commission recently said it was unable to take any action against them, a move that the petitioners called “an abdication of its responsibilities.”

CIC suggested that further action be taken by the Union government or by courts.

Background

Eighteen months have passed since the CIC in June 2013 deemed national parties to be ‘public authorities’ under the RTI Act, to whom the provisions of the Act would now apply.

all the parties refused to comply with the Act.

CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) is set up under the Right to Information Act and is the authorised body, established in 2005, under the Government of India.

The Chief Information Commissioner heads the Central Information Commission, the body that hears appeals from information-seekers who have not been satisfied by the public authority, and also addresses major issues concerning the RTI Act.

The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of— The Prime Minister, who shall be the Chairperson of the committee; The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha; and A Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister.

CIC will be appointed for a term of 5 years from date on which he enters upon his office or till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

CIC is not eligible for reappointment .

Cabinet approves Bill to unearth black money

Bill seeks harsh penalties and rigorous imprisonment for those having unaccounted money abroad. The Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets (Imposition of Tax) Bill provides for a penalty of up to

300 per cent of tax amounts evaded, in addition to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment.

Details of the Bill

The Bill proposes mandatory filing of returns for owners or beneficiaries of foreign assets. Failure to make the disclosures is punishable with a jail term of seven years.

The Bill also gives a short window to offenders to declare wealth, pay taxes & penalty and escape prosecution.

The Bill also seeks to make non-compoundable the offence of stashing away unaccounted money abroad. Besides, the offenders will not be allowed to approach the Settlement Commission.

The Bill also says income in relation to any undisclosed foreign asset or undisclosed income from any foreign asset be taxable at the maximum marginal rate, 30% plus surcharges.

Any exemption will be disallowed and that beneficial owner or beneficiary of foreign assets will be required to file return, even if there is no taxable income.

GST Bill to be first off the block

The GST Bill’s passage will require a constitutional amendment, which means a two-thirds majority is required in Parliament.

The Assemblies too will have to approve the Bill ahead of the April 2016 deadline.

GST

The goods and services tax (GST) is a comprehensive value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services. It is an indirect tax levy on manufacture, sale and consumption of goods as well as services at a

national level. tax is collected on value-added goods and services at each stage of sale or purchase in the supply

chain. The system allows the set-off of GST paid on the procurement of goods and services against the GST

which is payable on the supply of goods or services. However, the end consumer bears this tax as he is the last person in the supply chain.

Experts say that GST is likely to improve tax collections and boost India’s economic development by breaking tax barriers between States and integrating India through a uniform tax rate.

What are the benefits of GST?

Under GST, the taxation burden will be divided equitably between manufacturing and services, through a lower tax rate by increasing the tax base and minimizing exemptions.

It is expected to help build a transparent and corruption-free tax administration. GST will be is levied only at the destination point, and not at various points (from manufacturing to

retail outlets). Currently, a manufacturer needs to pay tax when a finished product moves out from a factory, and it

is again taxed at the retail outlet when sold.

How will it benefit the Centre and the States?

It is estimated that India will gain $15 billion a year by implementing the Goods and Services Tax as it would promote exports, raise employment and boost growth.

It will divide the tax burden equitably between manufacturing and services.

What are the benefits of GST for individuals and companies?

In the GST system, both Central and State taxes will be collected at the point of sale. Both components (the Central and State GST) will be charged on the manufacturing cost. This will benefit individuals as prices are likely to come down. Lower prices will lead to more

consumption, thereby helping companies.

Why are some States against GST; will they lose money?

The governments of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu say that the information technology systems and the administrative infrastructure will not be ready by April 2016 to implement GST.

States have sought assurances that their existing revenues will be protected. The central government has offered to compensate States in case of a loss in revenues. Some States fear that if the uniform tax rate is lower than their existing rates, it will hit their tax

kitty. The government believes that dual GST will lead to better revenue collection for States. However, backward and less-developed States could see a fall in tax collections. GST could see better revenue collection for some States as the consumption of goods and services

will rise.

Collegium system is illegal, says government

Calling the 21-year-old collegium system of judicial appointments to higher courts completely illegal, the Union government recently said that there was no guarantee that the best judges could be appointed only by judges.

Background

The NJAC would replace the collegium in judicial appointments. The NJAC Act and the 99thConstitution Amendment recently received the President’s assent after

ratification by 20 States, but is yet to be notified by the government.

NJAC Bill

NJAC is a proposed body responsible for the appointment and transfer of judges to the higher judiciary in India.

It seeks to replace the collegium system of appointing the judges of Supreme Court and 24 High Courts

From now executive will have a say in appointing the judges.

Details

A new article, Article 124A, (which provides for the composition of the NJAC) will be inserted into the Constitution.

It provides for the procedure to be followed by the NJAC for recommending persons for appointment as Chief Justice of India and other Judges of the Supreme Court (SC), and Chief Justice and other Judges of High Courts (HC).

It also seeks changes in articles 124, 217, 222 and 231.

The commission will consist of the following members

1. Chief Justice of India (Chairperson, ex officio)2. Two other senior judges of the Supreme Court next to the Chief Justice of India – ex officio3. The Union Minister of Law and Justice, ex-officio4. Two eminent persons (to be nominated by a committee consisting of the Chief Justice of India, Prime

Minister of India and the Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha or where there is no such Leader of Opposition, then, the Leader of single largest Opposition Party in Lok Sabha), provided that of the two eminent persons, one person would be from the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes or OBC or minority communities or a woman.

The eminent persons shall be nominated for a period of three years and shall not be eligible for re-nomination.

Functions of the Commission

Recommending persons for appointment as Chief Justice of India, Judges of the Supreme Court, Chief Justices of High Courts and other Judges of High Courts.

Recommending transfer of Chief Justices and other Judges of High Courts from one High Court to any other High Court.

Ensuring that the persons recommended are of ability and integrity. Under the present Collegium system, the Chief Justice of India would consult the four senior most

judges of the Supreme Court for Supreme Court appointments and two senior-most judges for high court appointments.

How the NJAC will help

expected to usher in transparency in judicial appointments in the highest courts and end the highest judiciary’s two-decade-old grip over appointments of judges through the collegium system.

It would restore an equal role for the executive in higher judicial appointments.

Allegations

Some people contend that that by passing the NJAC Bill, Parliament had “altered the basic structure of the Constitution” and encroached into judicial independence.

They say Independence of the judiciary includes the necessity to eliminate political influence even at the stage of appointment of a judge. This is being violated.

The amendment, as passed by the two houses of Parliament, “takes away the primacy of the collective opinion of the Chief Justice of India and the two senior most Judges of the Supreme Court of India”.

Although the six-member Commission had the CJI as chairperson and two senior most Supreme Court judges as members, there was no “primacy” for them.

Even their collective recommendation of a candidate as judge could be frozen if any two non-judicial members on the panel vetoed it.

Under the present Collegium system, the Chief Justice of India would consult the four senior most judges of the Supreme Court for Supreme Court appointments and two senior-most judges for high court appointments.

Boy’s arrest for FB post against govt. promise

contradiction to the Union government’s repeated assurances in the Supreme Court on free speech on the social media.

What was the government’s assurance?

The government had said before the Supreme Court that a person was free to express political dissent, contrarian views and decent humour, and no one would “dare” charge him under Section 66(A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

It had promised that dissent would not be classified as “grossly offensive” or “menacing” under the provision.

Controversy over Section 66A

The law came in for criticism after several arrests by police over Facebook and other social media postings.

Two young women were arrested in Mumbai over a posting which the Shiv Sena found offensive. A lecturer was arrested in Kolkata for forwarding cartoons of chief minister Mamata Banerjee. A writer was arrested in UP for criticising the suspension of IAS officer DS Nagpal. In the wake of these incidents, many petitions were filed in SC challenging the law as being too

vague, broad and arbitrary. SC in an interim order passed at the outset, restrained police from arresting anyone without clearing

such action first with their superiors in such cases.

Arguments against the Law

The SC has received petitions demanding that the law either be aligned with Article 19(2) of the Constitution or be struck down.

The opponents argue the I-T Act cannot prescribe restrictions on a citizen’s right to freedom of speech and expression that were wider than warranted under Article 19(2), which allows the state to curtail them only on the grounds of public order, security of state etc.

Any other restriction on free speech on social media would be an unreasonable restriction under the Constitution.

Section 66A defines the punishment for sending “offensive” messages through a computer or any other communication device like a mobile phone or a tablet.

A conviction can fetch a maximum of three years in jail and a fine.

Astra test-fired successfully against simulated target

Astra was recently successfully launched from Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft to hit a simulated target. It is the indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile.

Details

all-weather missile developed by DRDO can engage and destroy enemy aircraft at supersonic speed (1.2 Mach to 1.4 Mach) in head-on (up

to 80 km) and tail-chase (up to 20 km) modes. smallest of the DRDO-developed missiles and can be launched from different altitudes.

Consider the following statements with reference to Saansad Gram Adarsh Yojana:

1. The Project was launched on the occasion of birth anniversary of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan.2. Under the Scheme, a separate fund will be created at the state level and will be attached to the

consolidated fund of the State.Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1.

 b) Only 2.

 c) Both

 d) None.

Answer: a.

Consider the following statements regarding the Central Information Commission:

1. It is a constitutional body.2. Commission includes 1 Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and not more than 10

Information Commissioners (IC) who will be appointed by the President of India.Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: b.

Consider the following statements regarding the Chief Information Commissioner:

1. He will be appointed for a term of 5 years from date on which he enters upon his office or till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

2. CIC is not eligible for reappointment.Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2.

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: c.

The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of—

1. The Prime Minister.2. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.3. The Chief Justice of India.4. Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.5. A Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister.

Choose the correct option using the codes below:

 a) Only 1, 3 & 5.

 b) Only 1, 2 & 4.

 c) Only 1, 2 & 5.

 d) All.

Answer: c.

Consider the following statements with reference to the proposed National Judicial Appointments Commission:

1. The NJAC would replace the collegium in judicial appointments.2. The NJAC will have no judicial members.3. It recommends persons for appointment as Chief Justice of India, Judges of the Supreme Court,

Chief Justices of High Courts and other Judges of High Courts.4. It recommends transfer of Chief Justices and other Judges of High Courts from one High Court to

any other High Court.Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1 and 3

 b) Only 1, 3 & 4.

 c) Only 1, 2 & 3.

 d) All

Answer: b

Consider the following statements with reference to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill:

1. The goods and services tax (GST) is a comprehensive value-added tax (VAT) on both goods and services.

2. It is an indirect tax.3. In the GST system, both Central and State taxes will be collected at the point of sale.

Which of the above statements are true?

 1 Only

 1 and 2 Only

 3 Only

 All

Answer: d.

Astra missile:

1. Is indigenously developed.2. Is developed by DRDO.3. Is an air to air missile.4. Can be launched from different altitudes.

Which of the above statements is/are true?

 1, 2 and 3 Only

 2, 3 and 4 Only

 1 and 3 Only

 All

Answer: d

Which of the following are Greenhouse gases?

1. Carbon dioxide2. Methane3. Nitrous oxide4. Ozone5. CFCs6. Nitrogen

Choose the correct answer usinng the codes below:

 a) Only 1, 2, 4 & 6.

 b) Only 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.

 c) Only 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.

 All

Answer: c.

Insights Daily Current Events, 17 March 2015

Don’t insist on Aadhaar: SC

The Supreme Court recently asked the central and state governments not to insist on possessing Aadhar card for availing benefits under the various social security schemes as it reiterated an order it passed in September 2013.

Background

The verdict has come after a PIL drew the attention of the court towards the Delhi government directive insisting on an Aadhar card for the registration of marriages.

About AADHAAR

Aadhaar is a 12 digit individual identification number which will serve as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in India.

How the scheme is helpful

Aadhaar-platform is aimed at providing social security benefits/subsidies based on eligibility through direct benefit transfer.

It provides access and options to rural and poor people. It helps bring transparency and eliminate corruption, leakage and inefficiency. It was conceived as an initiative that would provide identification for each resident across the

country and would be used primarily as the basis for efficient delivery of welfare services. It would also act as a tool for effective monitoring of various programs and schemes of the

Government.

Who assigns the number?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) assigns Unique Identification Number “Aadhaar” to residents of India on voluntary basis.

UIDIA

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is an agency of the Government of India responsible for implementing the Aadhaar Identities.

The agency was established in January-2009, and owns and operates the Unique Identities database. The Unique Identification Authority of India had been established under the Planning Commission by

an executive order. (not by an act. So non constitutional, non statutory body) The agency provides a unique identification number to all persons resident in India on voluntary

basis. The agency maintains a database of residents containing biometric and other data, and is headed

by a chairman, who holds a cabinet rank. UIDAI is the Registrar of Identities i.e. it registers, assigns and verifies the unique identities. It is

supposed to register two types of unique identities:1. Residents of India (called Aadhaar)2. Corporate entities (Corporate-UID) for company, bank, NGO, trust, political party etc.:

Corporate-UID has been provisioned within 12-digit UID number system. Corporate-UID is supposed to produce the similar effect as Aadhaar for corporate entities i.e.

identification and traceability of transactions. It is supposed to bring transparency on financial transactions, donations; and to prevent corruption, money laundering, benami transactions (i.e. under a fictitious name), allocation of natural resources like land, spectrum, mining of sand, iron-ore, coal-blocks, etc.

Issues

Aadhaar lacks legal or statutory authority as of now.

The AADHAAR number is not recognized as a legal proof of residence due to issues with the data protection.

India’s Intelligence Bureau claims anyone with an Aadhaar number can introduce others without any documentation to get the identity number, which makes it vulnerable to terrorism and other issues.

Present situation

Total number of AADHAAR cards generated so far: 70.43 crore Total money sanctioned for this project: Rs. 13663.22 crore. A target of universal enrolment has been set by the government.

Cow protection Bill passed

The Haryana Assembly recently passed the Haryana Gauvansh Sanrakshan and Gausamvardhan Bill with two amendments, paving the way for prohibiting the slaughter of cow and its progeny and

providing punishment of up to 10 years with a fine ranging from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 1 lakh for any violation.

Australia may seek membership of the China-led infrastructure Bank

After Britain, it may be Australia’s turn to seek membership of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) — a move, if it materialises, will signal a revolt by core members against the United States, which is discouraging the participation of its allies in the China-led initiative.

Britain had recently said that it has sought to become a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), making it the first Western nation to embrace the China-backed institution.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

The AIIB was launched in Beijing last year to spur investment in Asia in transportation, energy, telecommunications and other infrastructure.

It is an international financial institution proposed by China. The purpose of the multilateral development bank is to provide finance to infrastructure projects in

the Asia-Pacific region. AIIB is regarded by some as a rival for the IMF, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank

(ADB), which the AIIB says are dominated by developed countries like the United States and Japan. Presently there are 22 members including China. The authorised capital of AIIB will be $100 billion. AIIB’s headquarters is to be located in Beijing. India is the second largest shareholder in the Bank after China. It is being called as a very positive development in the sense that it opens up more borrowing

opportunities.

Centre notifies rollback norm under transfer pricing pact

Government has notified rules for rolling back advance pricing agreements (APA) that seek to provide predictability and stability to taxpayers.

Rollback provisions essentially mean that a negotiated position on pricing of an international transaction reached under the advance pricing arrangement can be applied to a similar transaction for up to four years in the past.

Why such move?

The move aims at curtailing disputes that arise from transfer pricing issues between MNCs and the Revenue Department.

It is a major area of litigation for resident and non-resident taxpayers. Under this mechanism, parent companies sell goods and services to their subsidiaries that reduce

their profits, lowering their tax liabilities.

Advance Pricing

An APA is essentially a contract between a taxpayer and the tax authorities that sets out beforehand the method for determining transfer pricing pertaining to transactions between a subsidiary and its foreign parent.

Under the APA, introduced in 2012, companies could enter into an agreement with tax authorities for the next five years.

Now, with the roll-back norms notified they can enter into such pacts for the previous four years as well.

Transfer pricing transactions have been the source of a large number of high-profile tax disputes in India in the recent past

APA programme launched in 2013-14 has been appreciated globally for its fairness and quick disposal.

Consider the following statements with reference to Aadhar Cards:

1. Aadhaar is a 12 digit individual identification number which will serve as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in India.

2. Aadhaar lacks legal or statutory authority as of now.Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1.

 b) Only 2.

 c) Both

 d) None.

Answer: c.

Consider the following statements regarding the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI):

1. It is a statutory body.2. The agency owns and operates the Unique Identities database.3. It is headed by a chairman, who holds a cabinet rank.

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 1 & 3.

 c) Only 2 & 3.

 d) All

Answer: c.

Consider the following statements with reference to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB):

1. AIIB’s headquarters will be located in Beijing.2. India is the second largest shareholder in the Bank after China.3. Australia is the 3rd largest shareholder in the Bank.

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 1 &2.

 c) Only 1 & 3.

 d) Only 2 & 3.

Answer: b.

India, recently, signed its first bilateral advance pricing agreement (APA) with a Japanese company. With reference to this agreement, consider the following statements:

1. It was signed by the Central Board of Direct Taxes2. Its main objective is to bring certainty and uniformity in transfer pricing matters of

multinational companies and reducing litigationWhich of the above statements is/are correct?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: c.

Indian Ocean conference will discuss strategic challenges

Top Ministers, bureaucrats and more than a dozen Ambassadors in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) are meeting for the first time in Odisha to discuss strategic challenges in the region.

Objective of the conference

To draw a resolution outlining India’s role, including trade ties and strategic challenges, in the Indian Ocean region.

Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

It is an international organisation consisting of coastal states bordering the Indian Ocean. IORA was established in 1997 to promote cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. It seeks to expand mutually beneficial cooperation through a consensus-based, evolutionary and

non-intrusive approach. IORA is the only regional forum linking most countries on the Indian Ocean rim through an annual

Foreign Ministers’ meeting. It was formerly known as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative and Indian Ocean Rim Association for

Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC). The IORA is a regional forum, tripartite in nature, bringing together representatives of Government,

Business and Academia, for promoting co-operation and closer interaction among them. It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation

particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region.

The Coordinating Secretariat of IORA is located at Ebene, Mauritius.

The objectives of IORA are as follows

To promote sustainable growth and balanced development of the region and member states. To focus on those areas of economic cooperation which provide maximum opportunities for

development, shared interest and mutual benefits. To promote liberalisation, remove impediments and lower barriers towards a freer and enhanced

flow of goods, services, investment, and technology within the Indian Ocean rim. The Association comprises 20 member states and six dialogue partners, the Indian Ocean Tourism

Organisation and the Indian Ocean Research Group has observer status.

Rs. 800 cr. of Nirbhaya Fund lying unused

More than two years after the Centre set up the high profile Nirbhaya Fund with a corpus of Rs. 1000 crore, only Rs. 200 crore has been allocated so far towards various schemes to ensure women’s safety.

Nirbhaya Fund

Announced by the government of India in its 2013 Budget, the Fund was established to support initiatives by the government and NGOs working towards protecting the dignity and ensuring safety of women in India.

The Fund was created with a corpus of Rs. 1000 Crores for empowerment, safety and security of women and girl children.

The Fund is administered by Department of Economic Affairs of the finance ministry. Utilization of Nirbhaya Fund would be preceded by formulation of viable schemes and necessary

approvals from the competent authority. The fund was set up after the horrific rape and murder of a 23-year old medical student in the

national capital in 2012.

IMA, Health Ministry lock horns

government’s proposal to allow Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) practitioners and paramedical staff to perform abortions on pregnant women under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Amendment Bill.

The IMA has already expressed reservations about the proposal. Some states too are opposed to this move.

Government’s stand

The government is of the view that expanding the provider base with strict conditionalities would enhance access and availability of safe abortion services without compromising on quality of service.

The government has planned to provide requisite training and certification, which would be specified in the rules, to the AYUSH practitioners for allowing them to perform the procedure.

Why the IMA has been opposing?

The IMA says that the proposal could put patients at risk as well as allow unethical practices and sex selective abortions.

What the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 says?

Section 15 of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, states that no person other than a medical practitioner enrolled on a State Medical Register shall practice medicine in any State.

Any person who acts in contravention of this shall be punished with imprisonment of one year or fine of Rs.1,000 or both

Supreme Court’s observations

The Supreme Court has held that practice of modern system of medicine by Indian System of Medicine (ISM) qualified professionals was possible provided such professionals are enrolled in the State Medical Register for practitioners of modern medicine maintained by the State Medical Council.

The respective State governments can notify and give recognition to qualifications eligible for registration in the State Medical Register.

States raise pitch for Councils

Some State governments have requested the Central Government to set up the bicameral system and set up an Upper House or legislative council in their states.

These State governments reason that an Upper House will provide a better opportunity for people’s participation in governance and decision-making.

The setting up of legislative councils in States has to be cleared by an Act of Parliament. Currently, only seven States follow the bicameral system —

1. Andhra Pradesh2. Telangana3. Bihar4. Jammu and Kashmir5. Karnataka6. Maharashtra 7. Uttar Pradesh.

Though they were originally set up to provide wiser counsel to the State assemblies, experts point out that the demand for legislative councils today is because of an increased pressure for accommodating various political interests.

Legislative Councils in India

The Vidhan Parishad (or Legislative Council) is the upper house in those states of India that have a bicameral legislature.

The Legislative Council is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved. Each Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) serves for a six-year term, with terms staggered so

that the terms of one-third of a Council’s members expire every two years. MLCs must be citizens of India, at least 30 years’ old, mentally sound, not an insolvent, and on the

voters’ list of the state for which he or she is contesting an election. He or she may not be a Member of Parliament at the same time.

The size of the Vidhan Parishad cannot be more than one-third the membership of the Vidhan Sabha.

However, its size cannot be less than 40 members (except in Jammu and Kashmir, where there are 36 by an Act of Parliament.)

According to Article 169 of the Indian Constitution, the state legislative assembly has to pass a resolution demanding creation or abolition of the council.

The Parliament can then make it a law by passing it like any ordinary bill. It doesn’t require any amendment to the Constitution.

Consider the following states with reference to legislative Councils in India:

1. The setting up of legislative councils in States has to be cleared by an Act of Parliament.2. The Legislative Council is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved.3. Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka and Maharashtra follow the Bicameral System.

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1.

 b) Only 2.

 c) Only 2 and 3

 d) All.

Answer: d.

Consider the following statements:

1. In India, currently, AYUSH practitioners are allowed perform abortions on pregnant women under the law.

2. Section 15 of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, states that no person other than a medical practitioner enrolled on a State Medical Register shall practice medicine in any State.

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: b.

Reference: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/ima-health-ministry-lock-horns/article6997098.ece.

Consider the following statements regarding the NIRBHAYA Fund:

1. The Fund is administered by Department of Economic Affairs of the finance ministry.2. The Fund was established to support initiatives by the government and NGOs working towards

protecting the dignity and ensuring safety of women in India.Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: c.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirbhaya_Fund.Consider the following statements with reference to Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA):

1. It was established in 1997 to promote cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.2. The Association comprises 20 member states and six dialogue partners.3. India enjoys observer status in the Group.

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 1 and 2

 c) Only 3

 d) All

Answer: b.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian-Ocean_Rim_Association.Coal is a:

 a) Form of igneous rock

 b) Form of Metamorphic rock

 c) Form of sedimentary rock

 d) None of the aboveAnswer: c.

Five-tier monitoring and review mechanism introduced for ICDS scheme

5-tier monitoring & review mechanism at different levels (National/ State/ District/ Block and Anganwadi level)

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme:

ICDS was launched in 1975 in accordance to the National Policy for Children in India. The scheme aims at holistic development of under-six children and providing nutritional and health support to pregnant and lactating mothers. Scheme provides for a package of six services viz.

1. supplementary nutrition,2. immunization, 3. referral services, 4. health check-up, 5. pre-school non formal education and 6. health and nutrition education.

Three of the six services namely Immunization, Health Check-up and Referral Services are delivered through Public Health system.

These services are provided from Anganwadi centres programme is also intended to combat gender inequality The scheme is implemented through the States/UTs on a cost sharing basis ratio of 50:50 for supplementary nutrition (SNP) and 90:10 for other components except in the case

of North Eastern States where the share of Central and State Government is in the ratio of 90:10 for all the components including SNP.

The predefined objectives of ICDS are

To raise the health and nutritional level of poor Indian children below 6 years of age. To create a base for proper mental, physical and social development of children in India. To reduce instances of mortality, malnutrition and school dropouts among Indian children. To coordinate activities of policy formulation and implementation To provide health and nutritional information and education to mothers of young children To provide nutritional food to the mothers of young children & also at the time of pregnancy period.

Reservation for women in direct recruitment

The Union Cabinet gave its approval for making reservation of 33% for women in each category (SC/ST/OBC and others) in direct recruitment in non-gazetted posts from Constables to sub-inspector in the police forces of all Union Territories, including Delhi Police.

Why was it necessary?

This decision will help in augmenting the representation of the women make the police more gender sensitive. It has been observed that many women do not approach the police, as they may have to confide or

report the incident to a male police officer. This is particularly so in respect of sex related crimes. It will also instil confidence among women to enable them to approach the police without hesitation A skewed police force with inadequate gender representation is a major practical barrier in effective

implementation of legislation intended for the protection of women.

Background

The decision has been taken in the light of amendments brought about in the Criminal Procedure Code in the wake of the 2012 gang-rape case in Delhi which requires that reports of crimes against women as well as their statements must be collected by women officers only.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister recently gave its approval for the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) with an outlay of Rs.1500 crore.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

scheme for skill training of youth to be implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The scheme will cover 24 lakh persons. Skill training would be done based on the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and industry

led standards. Under the scheme, a monetary reward is given to trainees on assessment and certification by third

party assessment bodies. The scheme would be implemented through NSDC training partners. In addition, Central/State Government affiliated training providers would also be used for training

under the scheme. Focus under the PMKVY would be on improved curricula, better pedagogy and better trained

instructors. Training would include soft skills, personal grooming, behavioral change for cleanliness, good work

ethics. Sector Skill Councils and the State Governments would closely monitor skill training that will happen

under PMKVY. Skill Development Management System (SDMS) would be put in place to verify and record details of

all training centres a certain quality of training locations and courses. Biometric system and video recording of the training process would be put in place where feasible.

Chadar Badar

It is a rare and obscure form of performing art. It is an ancient form of puppetry which tells stories of the Santhal way of life, and migration.

Where is it celebrated?

It is prevalent among the Santhal tribes of Jharkhand and West Bengal.

DigiLocker gets good response

DigiLocker, the digital locker system launched by the government to securely store documents online

About DigiLocker

It is dedicated personal storage space, linked to each resident’s Aadhaar number. DigiLocker can be used to securely store e-documents as well as store Uniform Resource

Identifier (URI) link of e-documents issued by various issuer departments. The e-Sign facility provided as part of DigiLocker system can be used to digitally sign e-documents. The initiative was launched by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology, under the

Ministry of Communications and IT. Here, the users can store their documents such as insurance, medical reports, PAN card, passport,

marriage certificate, school certificate and other documents in the digital format. With this, the government is trying to create an electronic version of documents, which can be easily

verified and stored in printable format. At present, the digital locker gives 10MB of free space for individuals to store documents and links of

government department or agency-issued e-documents. The government is also planning to subsequently increase the storage space to 1 GB.

Benefits

It will minimize the use of physical documents and will provide authenticity of the e-documents. It will provide secure access to Govt. issued documents. It will also reduce administrative overhead of Govt. departments and agencies and make it easy for

the residents to receive services

Coal Bill cleared

The Rajya Sabha recently passed the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill, 2015.

About the Bill

It seeks to amend the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

Important provisions in the Bill

The Bill seeks to enable private companies to mine coal for sale in the open market.

The Bill creates three categories of mines: (i) Schedule I, (ii) Schedule II, and (iii) Schedule III.

Method of allocation

Schedule I mines can be allocated by way of either public auction or government allotment. Schedule II and III mines will be allocated by way of public auction. Public auction will be conducted by way of e-auction on a payment of maximum fee of Rs five crore.

Eligibility

For the auction of Schedule I mines, any government, private or joint venture company is eligible to bid.

For the government allotment process, only government companies and companies that have been awarded power projects on the basis of competitive bidding for tariff are eligible.

For Schedule II and III mines, government, private and joint venture companies with a specified end-use are eligible to bid.

Purpose of mining

Coal mined from Schedule I mines can be used by companies for their own consumption, sale or any other purpose as specified in their mining lease.

Prior allottees

A prior allottee shall not be eligible to participate in the auction process (i) if he has not paid the additional levy imposed by the Supreme Court, or (ii) if he is convicted of an offence related to coal block allocation and sentenced to

imprisonment for more than three years.

Nominated Authority

The central government shall appoint a nominated authority who will be an officer of the rank of a joint secretary in the government.

Functions of the nominated authority include: (i) conducting the process of auction and allotment, (ii) executing the vesting and allotment orders, (iii) collecting the auction proceeds and transferring them to the respective state governments.

Vesting order

The vesting order shall transfer and vest upon the successful bidder, rights and licenses

Responsibility of the central government

The government may appoint a designated custodian to operate and manage the mine, on behalf of the central government, till the completion of auction or allotment.

Compensation for prior allottees

Prior allottees shall be compensated for land and mine infrastructure. Prior allottees shall not be entitled to compensation till the additional levy has been paid.

Mines Bill cleared

Rajya Sabha recently passed the Mines and Minerals (development and regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015.

Salient features of the Bill

All mineral concessions will be granted only through auction. Direct auction for mining leases for bulk minerals; auction of prospecting licences-cum-mining leases

for deep-seated minerals. Uniform lease period of 50 years; no renewals; auction at the end of lease period; will solve issues

arising out of all SC judgments on second and subsequent renewals. Transition period of minimum 15 years for captive mines and 5 years for other mines; no sudden

stoppage as a result of amendment. Central Government empowered to prescribe deadlines for various processes and to issue binding

directions to States. Central Government to frame separate rules for atomic minerals. The previous approval of the Central Government will not be required for grant of mineral

concession except for Atomic Minerals, Coal and Lignite. Enabling powers for reservation for the public sector to continue. Higher penalties and jail terms for offences; special courts may be constituted, if necessary. District Mineral Foundation to take care of people and areas affected by mining. National Mineral Exploration Trust to be set up for impetus to exploration. Easy transferability of concessions obtained through auctions so as to attract private investment

and FDI. Powers to Central Government to intervene even where State Governments do not pass orders

within prescribed time lines; this will eliminate delay.

Consider the following statements with reference to the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme:

1. The scheme aims at holistic development of under-six children and providing nutritional and health support to both pregnant and lactating mothers.

2. The scheme is implemented through the States/UTs on a cost sharing basis in the ratio of 50:50 for supplementary nutrition (SNP) and 90:10 for other components except in the case of North Eastern States.

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: c.

Consider the following statements with reference to the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY):

(i) This programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

(ii) Under the scheme, a monetary reward is given to trainees on assessment and certification by third party assessment bodies.

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2.

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: c.

Consider the following statements regarding the Digilocker:

(i) The initiative was launched by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology, under the Ministry of Communications and IT.

(ii) The locker will be linked to each resident’s Aadhaar number.(iii) DigiLocker can be used to securely store e-documents as well as store Uniform

Resource Identifier (URI) link of e-documents issued by various issuer departments.(iv) The e-Sign facility provided as part of DigiLocker system can be used to digitally sign e-

documents.Which of the above statements is/are true?

 a) Only 1 and 2

 b) Only 2 and 3

 c) Only 1, 3 & 4.

 d) All

Answer: d

Consider the following statements with reference to the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Bill, 2015:

1. It seeks to amend the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

2. The Bill seeks to enable private companies to mine coal for sale in the open market.Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1.

 b) Only 2.

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: c

State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)

The Centre has said that State Government is empowered to undertake necessary relief measures in the wake of natural calamities like drought, hailstorm, pest attack and cold wave frost from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) which is readily available with them.

In case SDRF is exhausted, contingency fund of the State can be utilised. If additional finance assistance, over and above SDRF is required, memorandum may be summited

for consideration as per extant procedure/norms for assistance from National Disaster Response Fund.

State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)

SDRF has been constituted by each state under the provisions of Disaster Management act 2005. It was constituted based on the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission. The government of India contributes 75% and 90% of the total yearly allocation of SDRF to general

states and special category states respectively. The state executive committee headed by the Chief Secretary is authorized to decide on all matters

relating to the financing of the relief expenditure from the SDRF.

Ratan Tata to Head Railways ‘Kayakulp’ Council

The Government has constituted the ‘Kayakulp’ Council and has appointed Shri Ratan Tata to head this Council.

Kayakalp

It is an innovation council which was proposed in the recent railway budget. It will be set up for the purpose of business re-engineering and introducing a spirit of innovation in

Railways. The purpose of the Council is to recommend innovative methods and processes for the

improvement, betterment and transformation of the Indian Railways. This Council would be a standing body and would interact with all stakeholders and other interested

parties.

ED to attach assets in chopper case

Enforcement Directorate

established in the year 1956 law enforcement agency and economic intelligence agency responsible for enforcing economic laws

and fighting economic crime in India. Directorate of Enforcement is a specialized financial investigation agency under the Department of

Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, which enforces the following laws: – Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) – A civil law having quasi judicial powers,

for investigating suspected contraventions of the Exchange Control laws and regulations with powers to impose penalties on those adjudged guilty.

Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) – A Criminal Law, with the officers empowered to conduct investigations to trace assets derived out of the proceeds of crime, and to provisionally attach/ confiscate the same, to arrest and prosecute the offenders found to be involved in Money Laundering.

The other functions include

To collect, develop and disseminate intelligence relating to violations of FEMA, 1999, the intelligence inputs are received from various sources such as Central and State Intelligence agencies, complaints etc.

To investigate suspected violations of the provisions of the FEMA, 1999 relating to activities such as “hawala” foreign exchange racketeering, non-realization of export proceeds, non-repatriation of foreign exchange and other forms of violations under FEMA, 1999.

To adjudicate cases of violations of the erstwhile FERA, 1973 and FEMA, 1999. To realize penalties imposed on conclusion of adjudication proceedings. To handle adjudication, appeals and prosecution cases under the erstwhile FERA, 1973 To process and recommend cases for preventive detention under the Conservation of Foreign

Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA)

To undertake survey, search, seizure, arrest, prosecution action etc. against offender of PMLA offence.

To provide and seek mutual legal assistance to/from contracting states in respect of attachment/confiscation of proceeds of crime as well as in respect of transfer of accused persons under PMLA.

Centre yet to name two Anglo-Indians for Lok Sabha

5 lakh-strong Anglo-Indian community

Who is an Anglo Indian?

According to the Constitution of India, a person from the Anglo-Indian community is defined as, “a person whose father or any of whose other male progenitors in the male line is or was of European descent; but who is domiciled within the territory of India, and is or was born within such territory of parents habitually resident therein and not established there for temporary purposes only.”

Basic facts

The President of India nominates two members from this community as MPs in the Lok Sabha, when it is felt that the community is not represented.

The role of the Anglo-Indian MPs therefore, is primarily, to safeguard the community and its vibrant presence within the jurisdiction of India.

Like other MPs, the Anglo-Indian MPs vacate their office every five years before fresh elections are held to decide the next tenure of the Lok Sabha.

It is permissible for the same MP from the Anglo-Indian community to be re-nominated to the Parliament in successive Parliamentary sessions.

Which of the following countries are members of the Fragile Five?

1. Turkey2. Brazil3. India4. Japan5. South Africa6. Indonesia

Choose the correct answer using the codes below:

 a) Only 1, 2, 3, 4 & 6.

 b) Only 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.

 c) Only 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6.

 d) All.

Answer: c.

http://internationalinvest.about.com/od/Important-Concepts-To-Know/fl/What-Are-the-Fragile-Five.htm.Consider the following statements with reference to the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF):

1. SDRF has been constituted by each state under the provisions of Disaster Management act 2005.

2. The Central Government of India contributes 75% and 90% of the total yearly allocation of SDRF to general states and special category states respectively.

3. Governor of a state is authorized to decide on all matters relating to the financing of the relief expenditure from the SDRF.

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 1 & 2.

 c) Only 1 & 3.

 d) All

Answer: b.

Consider the following statements with respect to Kayakalp Council:

1. Currently, the council is headed by Shri Ratan Tata.2. The purpose of the Council is to recommend innovative methods and processes for the

improvement, betterment and transformation of the Indian Airways.Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: a.

Consider the following statements regarding the Enforcement Directorate agency:

1. It is a specialized financial investigation agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

2. It enforces laws relating to both the Foreign Exchange Management Act,1999 (FEMA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2.

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: c.

Consider the following statements:

1. The President of India nominates two members from the Anglo Indian community as MPs in the Lok Sabha, when it is felt that the community is not represented.

2. Like other MPs, the Anglo-Indian MPs vacate their office every five years before fresh elections are held to decide the next tenure of the Lok Sabha.

3. It is not permissible for the same MP from the Anglo-Indian community to be re-nominated to the Parliament in successive Parliamentary sessions.

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1.

 b) Only 1 & 2.

 c) Only 1 & 3.Answer: b.

‘Water Man’ Rajendra Singh wins Stockholm Water Prize

Eminent environment activist Rajendra Singh has been conferred the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize this year for his innovative water restoration efforts and extraordinary courage to empower communities in

Indian villages. He is widely popular as the ‘Water Man’. He has already won Ramon Magsaysay award in 2001 for his work on community-based water

harvesting and water management.

About the Award

The Stockholm Water Prize is a global award founded in 1991

presented annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) to an individual, organisation or institution for outstanding water-related achievements.

The Stockholm Water Prize Laureate receives USD 150,000 and a specially designed sculpture.

Humayun’s Tomb gets its finial back

The Humayun’s Tomb in the national capital has got its finial back, after a storm dislodged it last May. The new finial was installed last week.

Almost a replica of the previous one, the new finial is made of copper of 99.5% purity.

Background

In May last year, the ornamental and auspicious finial installed atop the dome of the 16th century tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was damaged in a massive thunderstorm.

Humayun’s Tomb

It is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D. by Humayun’s first wife Bega Begum (Haji Begum). It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It was also the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

SEBI clears municipal bonds

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently announced a slew of measures including listing of municipal bonds and

setting up of a global financial hub within India on the lines of Singapore and Dubai.

Why?

To deepen markets and help raise funds for business and infrastructure projects.

Details

SEBI has made it easier for banks to acquire control in distressed listed companies, by converting their debt into equity.

SEBI has tightened the noose on entities indulging in market manipulation and insider trading by selective leak of information at the cost of investors.

It has announced a road map for the new fiscal to help young entrepreneurs raise funds through listing of start-ups and crowd-sourcing, while it would streamline and strengthen its enforcement process for better efficiency.

Proposing a new avatar by adopting latest technologies, the SEBI has said it would tap social media in a big way to reach out to the investors and make it easier for them through measures like e-IPO and Aadhar-based e-KYC initiatives.

About Municipal Bonds

A municipal bond is a bond issued by a local government, or their agencies. ‘Muni bonds’ are very popular among investors in many developed nations, especially in the U.S.,

where these have attracted investments totalling over $500 billion and are among preferred avenues for household savings.

The Bangalore Municipal Corporation was the first municipal corporation to issue a municipal bond of Rs.125 crore with a State guarantee in 1997.

However, the access to capital market commenced in January 1998, when the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) issued the first municipal bonds in the country without State government guarantee for financing infrastructure projects in the city.

Among others, Hyderabad, Nashik, Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Nagpur municipal authorities have issued such bonds

As per guidelines of the Urban Development Ministry, only bonds carrying interest rate up to maximum 8% per annum shall be eligible for being notified as tax-free bonds.

There is massive capital investment need in municipal infrastructure and funds from programmes such as Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) can only partly meet the requirement.

Therefore, to meet their financing needs, the municipalities have to seek recourse to other means including issuance of municipal bonds.

Consider the following statements:

1. The Bangalore Municipal Corporation was the first municipal corporation to issue a municipal bond with a State guarantee in 1997.

2. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) issued the first municipal bonds in the country without State government guarantee.

3. As per the guidelines of the Urban Development Ministry, only bonds carrying interest rate up to maximum 8% per annum shall be eligible for being notified as tax-free bonds.

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1.

 b) Only 2 and 3

 c) Only 1 and 3

 d) All

Answer: d.

Consider the following statements with reference to the Stockholm Water Prize:

1. It is a global award presented annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) to only an individual for outstanding water-related achievements.

2. Rajendra Singh, from India, has been conferred this Prize this year for his innovative water restoration efforts and extraordinary courage to empower communities in Indian villages.

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2.

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: b

Consider the following statements with reference to the Humayun Tomb:

1. It was built in 1565 A.D. by Humayun’s first wife Bega Begum.2. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: c

With reference to Tanning of leather, consider the following statements

1. Tanning permanently alters the protein structure of skin of animals to turn it into leather2. Tannin which is traditionally used in tanning process is a alkaline chemical solution

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2

 c) Both

 d) None

Solution: a)

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=117604http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanning

The newly launched Mission Indradhanush by the government of India, aims to

 a) Vaccinate all the children by 2020 against deadly diseases

 b) Provide vaccines to African countries at no cost

 c) Invent permanent AIDS cure by 2020 within India

 d) None of the above

Solution: a)

Mission Indradhanush depicting seven colours of the rainbow, aims to cover all those children by 2020 who are either unvaccinated or are partially vaccinated against seven vaccine preventable diseases which include diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles and hepatitis B.

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=117597Dadasaheb Phalke award for Shashi Kapoor

Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor, who has reigned and contributed to the Hindi film industry for almost five decades, has been honoured with Dada Saheb Phalke award, India’s highest honour in cinema.

The veteran actor-producer is the 46th winner of the honour. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award entitles him to a Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of

Rs.10 lakh and a shawl.

About the Award

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest award in cinema. It is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film

Festivals, an organisation set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The recipient is honoured for their outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian

cinema and is selected by a committee consisting of eminent personalities from the Indian film industry.

First presented in 1969, the award was introduced by the Government of India to commemorate Dadasaheb Phalke’s contribution to Indian cinema.

Phalke (1870–1944), who is popularly known as and often regarded as “the father of Indian cinema”, was an Indian film-maker who directed India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra (1913).

The first recipient of the award was actress Devika Rani. Among 46 awardees, actor Prithviraj Kapoor is the sole posthumous recipient.

Madhav Gadgil wins Tyler Prize

Ecologist Madhav Gadgil has been chosen for the prestigious Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement for 2015.

Gadgil will share the $200,000 cash prize with American marine ecologist Jane Lubchenco for their work in changing policy and especially for their leadership and engagement in the development of conservation and sustainability policies in the United States, India and internationally.

Gadgil was chairman of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP). Dr. Gadgil’s report on the preservation of the unique ecosystem of the Western Ghats was specially

cited as the reason for the honour, besides his contributions to the crafting of the National Biodiversity Act, 2002.

About the Prize

The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement is an award for environmental science, environmental health, and energy.

Tyler Laureates receive a $200,000 annual prize and a gold medallion. The prize is administered by the University of Southern California and was established by John and Alice Tyler in 1973.

Centre to re-brand ‘Jan Aushadhi’ scheme

The Union government’s ‘Jan Aushadhi’ scheme, which was set up with the intention of providing access to affordable medicines for all, is set to receive an impetus with a new name and the opening of 1,000 stores on a single day.

The scheme has under-performed since its inception in 2008 with only 98 of the 178 stores opened being functional.

The new initiative is in line with a business plan approved in August 2013 to open 3,000 stores during the 12th Plan period — from 2013-14 to 2016-17.

What is Jan Aushadhi Scheme?

It is a scheme which seeks to make available quality medicines at affordable prices for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged.

Under this, less priced quality unbranded generic medicines will be made available through Jan Aushadhi stores which inherently are less priced but are of same and equivalent quality, efficacy and safety as compared to branded generic medicines.

Under this Scheme, the State Government has to provide space in Government Hospital premises for the running of the outlets (JAS).

Government hospitals, NGOs, Charitable Organisations and public societies like Red Cross Society, Rogi Kalyan Samiti typically constituted for the purpose can be operating agencies for the JAS.

The operating agency for JAS is nominated on the basis of the recommendations of the State government. Operational expenditure is met from trade margins admissible for the medicines.

The State Government has to ensure prescription of unbranded generic medicines by the Government doctors.

The Jan Aushadhi Programme is accordingly a self sustaining business model not dependent on government subsidies or assistance. It is run on the principle of “Not for Profits but with Minimal Profits”.

Benefits of the Scheme

The Jan Aushadhi Campaign will help:

Improve access to healthcare in as much as cost of treatment would come down substantially. This would enable the Public Health System to increase the coverage.

Secure a socio-economically viable mechanism/institutional arrangement for efficacious sales of Pharma CPSU products, thereby improving their viability.

Promote & encourage private industry to sell their quality unbranded generic products through these retail outlets.

Educate doctors that unbranded generic medicines provide a better option that branded products since quality of generic medicines can be equally efficacious and safe at much lower prices.

Create consumer awareness by involving private, charitable bodies and NGOs by making them part of the campaign.

Reduce promotional cost and profits for the benefit of patients. Ensuring successful implementation of the Jan Aushadhi campaign would dispel the myth that

quality of medicines is linked to price and demonstrate that quality medicines can be sold at substantially lower prices.

[Economy] Different Types of Companies: Pvt.Ltd, Public Ltd., Public Corporation, Departmental Undertaking, PSUs

Copied from Mrunal.org

1. Paid up Capital2. Private company3. Public company4. Holding company and subsidiary company5. Departmental undertakings6. Government Company7. Public corporation8. PSU (Public Sector undertakings)

Paid up Capital

This word is going to keep reappearing in next few articles, so better understand it in advance. You already saw that there are two ways to finance a company: Debt + Equity. Paid up Capital means the amount of money contributed via Equity (shareholders)

Private company

It has a minimum paid-up capital of Rs.1 lakh It needs minimum two members and maximum 200 members (i.e. The persons who hold its ‘equity’) This company is to use the word “Private Limited” at the end of its name. It cannot have more than 50 members It cannot borrow for general public. For example Balaji Telefilms private ltd= Ektaa Kapoor’s company, involved in making those boring

Saas Bahu serials. Another example: Neela telefilms private ltd. = Asit Modi’s company, they produce the comedy

serial Tarak Mehta Kaa oolta Chashmaa. Flipkart.com : the online shopping website is also a private company, started by Sachin and Binni

Bansal.

Public company

It has minimum paid-up capital of Rs.5 lakh. Requires minimum seven members to start a public company. It has to hold annual general meeting of shareholders. It can borrow from general public via IPOs and Bonds. For example, Infosys started as a private ltd company in 1981, but in 1992, it re-registered itself as

a Public Ltd company and launched the IPO in 1993.

Holding company and subsidiary company

If company A holds more than 50% Shares of company B then, Company A is a holding company Company B is a subsidiary company Example: Coal India is a holding company. Bharat Coking ltd, Mahanadi CoalFields ltd are its

subsidiary companies. Similarly, Konkan Railway is a subsidiary company of Indian Railways. Although Indian Railways is

not a ‘Holding Company’, it is a Departmental undertaking.

Departmental undertakings

They are involved in some commercial activity such as engineering, manufacturing etc. But They’re directly controlled by the government, just like any other department For example: Indian Railways, postal Department. They are not registered as companies under the companies act They are wholly financed by the government (and not through Debt+Equity like a normal company) They cannot use their profit to meet their expenditure, or to expand their business activities without

the permission of Government (by extension parliament. I.e. Railway budget for Railways and General Union budget in case of postal Department)

Their employees are government servants.

Directly audited by CAG. RTI applies to Departmental undertakings.

Government Company

It is a company in which government holds not less than 51% of paid-up share capital. For example, ONGC, SAIL Here, The “Government” means the union government or the State government(s) on both. For example, in Company A, 30% shares are held by union government, 10% by Gujarat

government, 11% by Madhya Pradesh government, still Company A is a Government company (30+10+11=51%)

The government company is managed by the board of directors. Board of Directors are appointed by the shareholders. But since government owns majority of the

shares, majority of directors are chosen by the government. They can borrow extra money from public via IPOs and bonds. This company does not need Parliament’s approval on how to use the profit, But it will need

approval of Board of directors on how to spend the profit. They’re not directly audited by CAG, but CAG appoints the private firms (Chartered accountants) as

auditors. RTI applies to Government companies.

Public corporation

They are established by a special act of Parliament or state legislature (Vidhan Sabha) The act defines how this organization will run. For example: LIC, Air India, IDBI, UTI They are wholly financed by the government, but still they can also borrow from general public via

Bonds and shares. Government appoints board of directors. They can use their profit as per their requirements without Parliament’s approval Employees of public corporation are not government servants. Directly audited by CAG, although in some cases CAG outsources the work to private firms. RTI applies to Public Corporations.

PSU (Public Sector undertakings)

When we use the word PSU: it means Public corporations + Government companies. Departmental undertakings (Railway/Postal) are not PSUs. CAG has two wings: 1. The Civil wing looks after the auditing of Ministries + Departmental undertakings. 2. The Commercial wing looks after the auditing of Government companies +Public Corporations.

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Consider the following statements with reference to Jan Aushadhi Scheme:

1. It is a scheme which seeks to make available quality medicines at affordable prices for all.2. Under this, less priced quality unbranded generic medicines will be made available through Jan

Aushadhi stores.3. The operating agency for Jan Aushadhi Stores is nominated on the basis of the recommendations

of the State government.Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1 and 2

 b) Only 2 and 3

 c) Only 1 and 3

 d) All

Answer: d.

Consider the following statements:

1. Indian Ecologist Madhav Gadgil has won the prestigious Tyler Prize award for the year 2015.2. The Tyler Prize is awarded for Environmental Achievement in the fields of environmental

science, environmental health, and energy.Which of the above statements are true?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2.

 c) Both

 d) None

Answer: c

Consider the following statements with reference to the Dadasaheb Phalke award:

1. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest award in cinema.2. The first recipient of the award was actress Devika Rani.3. Actor Prithviraj Kapoor is the sole posthumous recipient of this Award.

Which of the above statements is/are true?

 a) Only 1 and 3

 b) Only 2 and 3

 c) Only 1 and 2

 d) All

Answer: d

With reference to India’s IRNSS-1D  satellite, consider the following statements:

1. It is India’s fourth Navigation Satellite launched in 20142. It was launched onboard GSLV-C27

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

 a) Only 1

 b) Only 2

 c) Both

 d) None

Solution: d